As the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League approaches, former Bayern Munich forward Roy Makaay has expressed strong confidence in his former club's chances of success. With the tournament kicking off next week, Bayern Munich, along with fellow German teams Borussia Dortmund, VfB Stuttgart, and RB Leipzig, will be looking to make a significant impact.
Bayern Munich, the reigning double winners in Germany, had a commendable run in the previous season's Champions League, reaching the semi-finals before being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain, who triumphed 6-5 on aggregate. This season, under the guidance of coach Vincent Kompany, the Bavarians are determined to advance further and contend for the prestigious title.
Makaay, who now leads FC Bayern’s World Squad, a program dedicated to identifying and nurturing young talent globally, believes Bayern has an excellent shot at reaching the final. In an exclusive interview, he stated, “They’re favourites to reach the Champions League final.” This assertion highlights the high expectations surrounding the club, which has consistently been a powerhouse in European football.
Despite some notable departures, including Raphael Guerreiro and Leon Goretzka, who left on free transfers, and Nicolas Jackson, who returned to Chelsea after a loan spell, Bayern has bolstered its squad with new signings. Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt and Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven have joined the ranks, alongside the permanent acquisition of young talent Bara Sapoko Ndiaye from Gambinos Stars. Makaay emphasized that these additions are aimed at enhancing the squad's depth and competitiveness.
Having played for Bayern from 2003 to 2007, scoring 103 goals in 183 appearances, Makaay understands the immense pressure that comes with wearing the Bayern jersey. He remarked on the unique atmosphere at the club's headquarters on Säbener Straße, stating, “We expect you to be champions.” This mentality, according to Makaay, is a significant factor that distinguishes Bayern from its domestic rivals, contributing to their dominance in the Bundesliga, where they have claimed the title in 13 of the last 14 seasons.
Makaay also expressed his hope for an exciting Bundesliga season, emphasizing the importance of competitiveness for the league's overall health. However, he acknowledged Bayern's ability to minimize mistakes, stating, “You need to take advantage of just the smallest ones.” With a strong squad and a winning mindset, Bayern Munich is poised to make a serious challenge for the Champions League title this season, as they aim to fulfill the lofty expectations that come with their storied legacy.
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